Following Jesus - Liferoads Church https://liferoads.org Helping people become Fully Alive in Christ Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:09:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://liferoads.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cropped-cross-100x100.jpg Following Jesus - Liferoads Church https://liferoads.org 32 32 Following Jesus – Week 17 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-17/ Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:09:36 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5026 The Great Commission: these words are not actually used in the Bible. But Jesus gave his disciples (and us) a task, a mission; and He gave us the authority to spread the great news of His coming – and His resurrection. This is the fundamental event of history (⁠1 Corinthians 15:17-19⁠). Central to Christianity. Jesus showed His authority in teaching. He showed His authority over disease, nature, sin and death. He calls us to participate in sharing this news. Go, […]

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]]> The Great Commission: these words are not actually used in the Bible. But Jesus gave his disciples (and us) a task, a mission; and He gave us the authority to spread the great news of His coming – and His resurrection. This is the fundamental event of history (⁠1 Corinthians 15:17-19⁠). Central to Christianity. Jesus showed His authority in teaching. He showed His authority over disease, nature, sin and death. He calls us to participate in sharing this news. Go, make disciples of all nations (⁠Matthew 28:1-20⁠). The more we live transformed lives, the more natural the mission is for us.

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 16 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-16/ Sun, 05 Oct 2025 21:43:00 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5024 All history points to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (⁠Matthew 27:27-54⁠). The cross is a scandal (⁠1 Cor 1:18⁠); it makes no sense to invent such a thing – to use a device of torture as a symbol of grace. This idea of sacrifice is alarming (especially the sacrifice of Jesus); could there be another way? Even Jesus asked this question. The night of His death, He prayed; “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but […]

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]]> All history points to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (⁠Matthew 27:27-54⁠). The cross is a scandal (⁠1 Cor 1:18⁠); it makes no sense to invent such a thing – to use a device of torture as a symbol of grace. This idea of sacrifice is alarming (especially the sacrifice of Jesus); could there be another way? Even Jesus asked this question. The night of His death, He prayed; “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but concluded, “Your will be done.” Justice is required for the history of sin. It is here that God’s love and justice ‘kiss’ (⁠Psalm 85:10⁠). Seven hundred years after Isaiah wrote about the suffering Messiah’s redemption of the world (⁠Isaiah 53:1-12⁠), it finally came to pass. Love overwhelming, love manifest (⁠1 John 4:9-10⁠), love in action, the act of history. Jesus’ act of love is enough to redeem the entire world (⁠John 3:16⁠).

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 15 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-15/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 02:13:40 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5020 The night of Jesus’ imminent betrayal and arrest, He shared Passover with His disciples (⁠Matthew 26:17-35⁠). During this meal, Jesus aligned the historical reminder of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with a new covenant, one of His blood and His body instead of the sacrificial Passover lamb. Some people may see this exercise as an empty ritual. But it is a deeply meaningful tradition. Communion brings the identity of God’s people from the past to the present. It ties the experience […]

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]]> The night of Jesus’ imminent betrayal and arrest, He shared Passover with His disciples (⁠Matthew 26:17-35⁠). During this meal, Jesus aligned the historical reminder of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with a new covenant, one of His blood and His body instead of the sacrificial Passover lamb. Some people may see this exercise as an empty ritual. But it is a deeply meaningful tradition. Communion brings the identity of God’s people from the past to the present. It ties the experience of Israel’s deliverance from slavery to His promises of our redemption: forgiveness, grace and love. It is both a communal event and a very personal introspective event (⁠1 Corinthians 11:17-34⁠). There is a future component as well. Communion is a partially finished meal. We look forward to the marriage feast with Jesus (⁠Revelation 19:9⁠).

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 14 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-14/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:43:49 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5013 Jesus’ teaching in ⁠Matthew 24:42-25:13⁠, regarding the end times, is a challenging section of scripture. It is more about how we should live in light of His promised return, not so much what the world tends to be fascinated with. It is not about apocalyptic predictions – whether through movies, media, or date-setting. Jesus calls His followers to something different: faithful, expectant waiting. Instead of fear or frenzy, Jesus calls us to readiness, trust, and daily faithfulness. Live today as […]

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]]> Jesus’ teaching in ⁠Matthew 24:42-25:13⁠, regarding the end times, is a challenging section of scripture. It is more about how we should live in light of His promised return, not so much what the world tends to be fascinated with. It is not about apocalyptic predictions – whether through movies, media, or date-setting. Jesus calls His followers to something different: faithful, expectant waiting. Instead of fear or frenzy, Jesus calls us to readiness, trust, and daily faithfulness. Live today as though He could return tomorrow, all the while plan as if the world might continue for years to come.

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 13 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-13/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:11:34 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5010 Jesus confronted the religious leaders of Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion. He criticized them for hypocrisy and contrasts the outward show of righteousness with inner corruption, like tombs that appear white on the outside but are full of dead bones inside (⁠Matthew 23⁠). This reflects a larger theme of rebellion against God’s ways and the rejection of the Messiah. Jesus’ words echo his earlier teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing humility, authentic obedience, and integrity. He warns of […]

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]]> Jesus confronted the religious leaders of Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion. He criticized them for hypocrisy and contrasts the outward show of righteousness with inner corruption, like tombs that appear white on the outside but are full of dead bones inside (⁠Matthew 23⁠). This reflects a larger theme of rebellion against God’s ways and the rejection of the Messiah.

Jesus’ words echo his earlier teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing humility, authentic obedience, and integrity. He warns of judgment upon those who reject God’s message and misuse religious authority; such rejection leads to destructive consequences. Despite this harsh critique, the passage holds an invitation to follow Jesus by seeking his wisdom, heeding his judgments, and submitting to him fully.

There is an easy road leading to destruction and a narrow, difficult path leading to life. Embrace God’s kingdom. The call is clear: to live in the upside-down values of the Kingdom, embracing true servanthood and dependence on God. Jesus’ promise in ⁠Matthew 11:28-30⁠ of rest for the weary, inviting all to take his yoke and find renewed strength. Through prayer and reflection, lay down your burdens, choose the narrow path, and commit to following Jesus faithfully.

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 12 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-12/ Sun, 07 Sep 2025 21:00:30 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5006 Throughout the Gospel of Matthew a picture of the Kingdom of Heaven is being presented. (⁠⁠⁠Matthew 19:16 – 20:28⁠⁠⁠) Jesus describes an upside-down kingdom that reflects the character of its King—marked by generosity, grace, and servanthood rather than power, wealth, or status. It begins now, overlapping with this world as Jesus rules in the hearts of His followers, calling them to humility, forgiveness, and sacrificial love that mirror His own life and mission.

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]]> Throughout the Gospel of Matthew a picture of the Kingdom of Heaven is being presented. (⁠⁠⁠Matthew 19:16 – 20:28⁠⁠⁠) Jesus describes an upside-down kingdom that reflects the character of its King—marked by generosity, grace, and servanthood rather than power, wealth, or status. It begins now, overlapping with this world as Jesus rules in the hearts of His followers, calling them to humility, forgiveness, and sacrificial love that mirror His own life and mission.

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 11 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-11/ Sun, 31 Aug 2025 21:59:00 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5004 Jesus holds up humility as an essential character of the kingdom of heaven (⁠Matthew 18:1-4⁠). Note the humility of a child: sincere, sensitive, and simple. The humblest child has the ability to influence many souls. Forgiveness is a characteristic of the kingdom as well (⁠Matthew 18:21-35⁠). You can’t even count the importance and value of forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is extreme; forgiveness is divine.

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]]> Jesus holds up humility as an essential character of the kingdom of heaven (⁠Matthew 18:1-4⁠). Note the humility of a child: sincere, sensitive, and simple. The humblest child has the ability to influence many souls. Forgiveness is a characteristic of the kingdom as well (⁠Matthew 18:21-35⁠). You can’t even count the importance and value of forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is extreme; forgiveness is divine.

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 10 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-10/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:27:15 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=5001 God reveals. The question is: what does God show us, and what should our response be? In ⁠Matthew 16:13-20⁠. Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?” He responded, “You are the Christ.” But Peter’s expectation of what that meant was a bit inaccurate. Jesus teaches that He was to suffer and die. We need to take up our cross and die to ourselves (⁠Matthew 16:21-28⁠). Then, Jesus presented Himself transformed, in glory and wonder (⁠Matthew 17:1-8⁠). What is […]

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]]> God reveals. The question is: what does God show us, and what should our response be? In ⁠Matthew 16:13-20⁠. Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?” He responded, “You are the Christ.” But Peter’s expectation of what that meant was a bit inaccurate. Jesus teaches that He was to suffer and die. We need to take up our cross and die to ourselves (⁠Matthew 16:21-28⁠). Then, Jesus presented Himself transformed, in glory and wonder (⁠Matthew 17:1-8⁠). What is our response? Worship!

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 9 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-9/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:07:00 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=4999 Jesus described how people receive the word of God like soil receiving a seed. Our hearts respond to Christ’s message by being — hard, shallow, crowded, or receptive. The Parable of the Sower is a well-known story found in ⁠Matthew 13:1-23⁠ that is asking us how we hear God’s word. Do we have a tinge of resistance, or are we distracted? What does it look like to be receptive to the message of God’s kingdom? The seed sprouts in good […]

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]]> Jesus described how people receive the word of God like soil receiving a seed. Our hearts respond to Christ’s message by being — hard, shallow, crowded, or receptive. The Parable of the Sower is a well-known story found in ⁠Matthew 13:1-23⁠ that is asking us how we hear God’s word. Do we have a tinge of resistance, or are we distracted? What does it look like to be receptive to the message of God’s kingdom? The seed sprouts in good soil and grows and multiplies into abundant fruit in our lives.

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]]> Following Jesus – Week 8 https://liferoads.org/sermons/following-jesus-week-8/ Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:11:24 +0000 https://liferoads.org/?post_type=ctc_sermon&p=4990 When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he truly was the Messiah (⁠Matt 11:1-11⁠). Jesus honored John — then He pointed to the signs that were prophesied in Isaiah. Jesus has grace for those who wrestle with doubt. He knows that there will be a day where faith becomes sight, hope is fulfilled, and love is eternal (⁠1 Cor 13:12-13⁠). Then, there will be no doubt. But, while we are […]

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]]> When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he truly was the Messiah (⁠Matt 11:1-11⁠). Jesus honored John — then He pointed to the signs that were prophesied in Isaiah. Jesus has grace for those who wrestle with doubt. He knows that there will be a day where faith becomes sight, hope is fulfilled, and love is eternal (⁠1 Cor 13:12-13⁠). Then, there will be no doubt. But, while we are here on earth, we need to be active in faith as to not drift or become discouraged. Jesus warns, don’t become complacent (⁠Matt 11:16-24⁠). He knows it is a hard task to be human, and He welcomes the weary, offering rest for your souls (⁠Matt 11:25-30⁠).

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